Darlington Mowden Park RFC are delighted to announce the signings of Euan McKirdy and Aedan Moloney ahead of the upcoming National One season. The pair become Mowden’s latest signings of the summer, and will join up with the club’s pre-season preparations starting next month.

Euan McKirdy joins the club from last year’s National One champions Ampthill. The Scottish scrum half was an integral part of Ampthill’s promotion winning side, and he was excited for his latest challenge in the North East: “After speaking to Gary the ambition and infrastructure of the club really appealed to me. I was lucky enough to be involved in a promoted Ampthill side last season and now I can't wait to get stuck into this new challenge at DMP.”

The 22 year-old had a big impact on the champions last season, scoring 6 tries in 16 National One appearances including a brace against Caldy in February. Ahead of his switch to the Arena, McKirdy added: “I'm really keen to get down and meet the other players and have a great season doing everything I can to help the club be successful.”

Mowden Park Head Coach Garry Law was delighted with the latest addition to his squad: “We’re pleased to have Euan joining us, he was a part of the Ampthill squad last season and did well for them consistently, and unfortunately for Euan this was mostly from the bench. He is a sniping 9 with an eye for a gap and the try line, this helps to keep the defence on their toes and potentially frees up space outside. He is hungry to be seen more as a starting 9 and will get the chance to prove himself with us.”

Joining McKirdy is Aedan Moloney, who joins the club from National One rivals Birmingham Moseley. The young winger registered an impressive strike rate last season, notching 5 tries in just 8 appearances. Ahead of his switch to DMP, Moloney was looking forward to the challenge ahead: “I'm excited to be joining Mowden as I really enjoyed my first experience playing in National One last year at Birmingham Moseley but I never got a full chance to get stuck into it with me getting injured in pre-season, so that is something I aim to go for this year with a Mowden team that looks to move the ball and be a threat from every part of the pitch.”

The 24 year-old returns to the North East having grown up in the area, representing Tynedale, Northumberland and Northumbria University during his time in the region. Making the move closer to home, Moloney was excited to be back in the North East: “I'm looking forward to moving back up north to DMP for both the drive to succeed on the pitch as well as the family focus and feel around the club. This is made even better for me with the opportunity to be back close to my own family and friends and be a part of that club culture.”

“The games I experienced against Mowden last year were some of the best contested games of the season. Mowden scored in the final play to win down in Birmingham and then the return fixture up north finished as a draw on the final play. This showcased DMP's desire to play an expansive but deadly brand of rugby that is fun to watch and be a part of which is a major bonus for me.”

DMP Head Coach Law added: “Aedan another North East lad who we knew about during his time at Northumbria Uni. He is a big physical player with a decent amount of pace also. He is returning back north from a mixed season with Moseley due to injury and will be competing hard with the other wingers in the squad. This area of the squad is looking very competitive and will only help raise everyone's games to perform.”

Euan and Aedan have signed up for 2019/20 – Have you? You can now join the Mowden Family and purchase your Mowden Memberships online by clicking here.